Written by Dr. Melanie Moore, DVM
Given the current political climate, there is an undeniable threat to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The very efforts we have worked tirelessly to establish, fostering a more inclusive profession, are at risk of being dismantled without a full appreciation of the critical role diversity plays in veterinary medicine. DEI is facing overt attacks in both social and political spheres, with initiatives that have taken years to build now at risk of vanishing overnight, undermining progress for future generations. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted several factors that united the veterinary profession, one of which was our commitment to DEI. While society may remain divided, we as a profession persevered through the pandemic’s challenges, providing quality care, addressing systemic inequities, and supporting marginalized veterinary professionals. Moving forward, we must continue to unify our efforts to create a more accessible profession that not only supports our colleagues but enhances patient care by fostering diversity.
Cultural competence in veterinary medicine refers to the ability to understand, respect, and communicate with clients, colleagues, and communities from diverse cultural backgrounds. As veterinary professionals, it’s crucial to be aware of our implicit biases and educate ourselves on the varying cultural beliefs and practices related to animal care. Veterinary medicine must move beyond a “one size fits all” approach—only through adaptability can we ensure equitable care for all communities.
My experience volunteering in remote, marginalized communities has broadened my understanding of cultural competence. While working in Samoa, a Polynesian island nation in the South Pacific, I learned that dogs—viewed as community animals—are seen differently than household pets in Western cultures. Understanding these cultural nuances allowed me to offer relevant, culturally respectful care and ensure that my approach to veterinary medicine was adaptable rather than imposing Western standards.
Understanding that different cultures may not prioritize routine veterinary visits as Western clients do was a valuable learning experience. Working in resource-limited settings, I developed transferable skills, including performing high-volume sterilization surgeries without basic amenities like electricity, utilizing multimodal pain relief through dry and electroacupuncture, and managing region-specific diseases with limited resources. These experiences broadened my perspective, reinforcing the importance of approaching clients with empathy and respect. Rather than imposing Western norms or the conventional ‘gold standard’ taught in veterinary schools, I strive to educate clients on preventative care in a way that aligns with their cultural values and beliefs.
Working in resource-limited settings has sharpened my adaptability and problem-solving skills. My experiences volunteering in Poland during the Russian-Ukrainian war, treating traumatized animals with diseases not common in North America, highlighted the importance of using available resources effectively. These experiences have enhanced my ability to work in environments where cost and accessibility are barriers, especially when working with clients who speak languages other than English. The challenges of conveying complex medical diagnoses through non-verbal cues and translation tools have shaped my communication skills—skills that are invaluable when working with marginalized communities in North America.
Veterinary care is inherently diverse, as we interact with clients from all backgrounds. Representation in veterinary medicine fosters trust in the client-veterinarian relationship by promoting better communication and understanding. With cultural competence, we can approach each client with empathy and respect, understanding that different cultures have distinct views on pet care. For example, some clients may have strong religious or cultural beliefs that influence their decisions on treatments such as euthanasia. Respecting these viewpoints while providing evidence-based guidance is essential in building trust.
Furthermore, having bilingual or multilingual team members can enhance communication, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring accurate exchanges. This fosters a holistic approach to care that not only emphasizes medical treatment but also emotional support. Empathy for diverse backgrounds and challenges reduces unconscious bias and promotes more inclusive, compassionate care, ultimately leading to more patient-centered outcomes.
Cultural incompetence arises when veterinary professionals lack awareness or sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds. This can lead to miscommunication and barriers that negatively impact patient care. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing DEI training, awareness and commitment to change. By recognizing our biases and assumptions, we can work toward a more inclusive and equitable approach to care. Incorporating DEI training into veterinary education and professional development ensures that veterinary professionals are equipped to communicate effectively and provide respectful, culturally sensitive care to all clients, regardless of their background.
Allyship plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive veterinary profession. Allies can contribute by partnering with DEI groups, amplifying diverse voices, and working to make veterinary care more accessible to underrepresented groups. Understanding the unique perspectives each of us brings to the profession is crucial, as we work to move beyond the ‘gold standard’ treatments and create accessible care that minimizes barriers. While ‘gold standard’ care is not inherently bad—indeed, it enables us to provide the best possible care—it can impose barriers for some clients. Choosing alternative treatment protocols doesn’t indicate inadequate care; rather, it shows our ability to use available resources, finances, and tools to provide the best care within our reach, without discrimination. Allyship is not about standing by passively, but about actively contributing to the profession’s growth and inclusivity.
In light of the current political discourse questioning the value of DEI initiatives, it is more critical than ever that we ensure underrepresented groups—particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color—are not excluded from opportunities in veterinary medicine. As divisiveness becomes more prevalent, we must reflect on what unites us and make our profession more inclusive. By striving to provide comprehensive care on a global scale, we open doors for all, ensuring that the future of veterinary medicine remains diverse, accessible, and representative of the communities we serve.
To build a veterinary profession that endures, we must view diversity not as a mere buzzword but as a fundamental pillar that ensures the profession stays relevant and accessible for generations to come. We must ask ourselves: Do we want to be part of a profession that evolves to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse society, or will we allow outdated norms to hold us back from progress?
True change happens when we embrace discomfort, challenge the status quo, and commit to doing better—not just for ourselves, but for the future of veterinary medicine. The choice is ours.
About Dr. Melanie Moore, DVM: Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Dr. Moore earned her BSc in Animal Science from Aberystwyth University (2016) and her DVM from Ontario Veterinary College (2021). She is dedicated to making veterinary care accessible, both locally and globally. Dr. Moore’s passion lies in serving underserved communities, ensuring that pets and their owners can receive the care they need regardless of barriers. Her international work has taken her to Nepal, Thailand, Poland, and Samoa, where she has volunteered in remote communities to provide vital veterinary aid and education.Currently, Dr. Moore works at a private small animal clinic, while actively collaborating with local shelters and organizations to support accessibility in veterinary care.
This article originally appeared in the Spring issue of Animal Talk, Toronto Humane Society’s quarterly magazine. Themed Advocating for Animals Through Community Care and Compassion, this issue highlights how we support both animals and the people who care for them—through expanded veterinary services, accessible training programs, and inclusive, barrier-free community programs.
Inside, you’ll find stories of prevention, resilience, and equity—all reflecting our mission to build a more compassionate future for every animal.
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